French and Beninese presidents welcome progress on fighting Boko Haram

Benin – Bilateral relations and fight against terrorism – Meeting between M. François Hollande, President of the Republic, and Mr Patrice Talon, his Beninese counterpart – Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic

Paris, 12 December 2016

The French President had a meeting with Mr Patrice Talon, his Beninese counterpart.

François Hollande confirmed France’s technical and financial support for Benin in the areas of renewable energy production, access to electricity and water, transport and the social sectors.

The two heads of state confirmed their wish to develop economic and human exchanges between the two countries and agreed to put the major issues of innovation, support for young people and job creation at the heart of the conclusions of the forthcoming Africa-France summit in Bamako.

As regards the fight against the terrorist sect Boko Haram, they welcomed the military progress observed and signalled their willingness to continue ongoing efforts, particularly to secure and reinvigorate the liberated areas. François Hollande confirmed his desire for France and the European Union to maintain their support in 2017 for the mixed multinational force, which is combating Boko Haram./.